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Short Stories: August 31, 2005 Issue [#588]

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Short Stories


 This week:
  Edited by: Diane Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Welcome to this week's edition of the Short Story newsletter. Each edition of the newsletter highlights issues of concern to short story writers.

~*Flower4*~ Diane ~*Flower4*~


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Letter from the editor

Inspiration - When Least Expected


I've heard that opportunity knocks, but apparently inspiration is preceded by flashing lights. I went to the beach over the weekend with my boyfriend. We enjoyed a relaxing time, sleeping late and strolling around the boardwalk. I took my notebook, hoping for a new character or possible plot. I found neither and left with a few memories and a bunch of empty pages.

I wasn't too disappointed about the lack of inspiration. I have notebooks full of undeveloped ideas and interesting character sketches sitting on the desk in my office and on my bedside table. These have been filled over the years on vacations, after daydreams, and during people-watching sessions at the mall. When I'm lacking guidance in a plot, or when a character seems flat, I turn to these ideas.

Leaving the beach, I first packed the notebook into my backpack in the trunk. Then, on second thought, I pulled it out and brought it to the front of the truck to sit by my side. The trip was without incident until we were a few miles from home. We crested the hill thinking of dinner and the many chores waiting at our respective homes. That's probably how we missed him. The cop was standing in the middle of the road, speed gun aimed right at us. In an instant, the relaxing atmosphere in the truck dissipated.

We pulled over and waited for him to approach the truck. I knew we were speeding. It's almost impossible to go fifty-five on a deserted roadway. My boyfriend grumbled as he searched for the registration. I sighed, waiting for the inevitable tension that comes after an event of this nature. The officer was very factual, stating the speed limit, the actual speed, and the description of the speed gun used to measure the infraction.

As we pulled away with our ticket, alternative endings to the event flitted through my mind. How could we have avoided the ticket? Several scenarios were possible. If I had been alone, I might have flirted my way out of the ticket. If the officer had a sense of humor, we could attempt to joke about the situation. Neither of these seemed original so I continued to sift through the possibilities. Finally I hit on a unique concept. I scribbled furiously for several minutes, hiding my smile from my still grumbling boyfriend.

Your inspiration may be hiding beyond the next hill, slow down and be prepared to capture it.

Until Next Time,
Diane Author Icon


Editor's Picks

I've selected a few stories for your enjoyment. Please remember to send the author a review. *Smile*



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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

The editors work hard to make sure the newsletters are informative and enjoyable. We appreciate your responses.


*Note1* lightandshadow "Hi, was just wondering if anyone else suffered from the problem of not finishing stuff. It always seems to be the same for me. I get part way through a story and get distracted, mainly by the other characters and plots that the story I’m writing has made me think of. I then get so distracted by fleshing out those characters and ideas that I get completely distracted from what I was actually writing. I’ve got loads of plot ideas and many great characters, but I just seem to keep adding to the list of ideas and not finishing anything. Any suggestions?"

I suffer from the same problem. No one thing works for everyone, but I suggest you add some structure into your writing. Allow yourself to jot down notes on characters and other ideas, but keep it brief. Force yourself to focus on the main story for a set period of time. Then go back and work on the other ideas. A writing routine can be helpful when you tend to procrastinate finishing the original tale. *Smile*


*Note1* billwilcox "Diane - Your advice on digging up old stories and embellishing on their ideas is probably the best I've heard for kicking an old stagnant muse in the butt."

Thanks Bill, I'm always happy to give you a kick! *Bigsmile*

*Note1* Meg: Writes Daily in 2006 Author Icon "Diane, sometimes I can't leave my older work alone. There is always something I can strengthen or things I've learned/experienced that make me see new things. This also is a good reason to go back and read an older piece when it suddenly pops up with a review!"

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